Method and apparatus for best fitting two or more items

ABSTRACT

What is provided in one embodiment is a method and apparatus for confirming that one or more items in a universe of items fall within specified tolerances. In another embodiment various methods for determining best fit between items in a universe of items is provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

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BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to the field of measuring devices and amethod and apparatus for measuring items. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a method and apparatus for confirming that items ina universe of items, such as pipes, fall within specified tolerances. Inan alternative embodiment the present invention relates to selecting abest fit between various items from a universe of items, such as auniverse of pipes.

When selecting two pieces of pipe for joining from a universe of pipe itis desirable to select to pieces which fall within acceptabletolerances. For example, it may be desirable to ensure that the largestdimensional difference between two items to be joined is less than a setamount (e.g, less than 0.5 millimeters). It may also be desirable that,for a universe of items to be joined end to end, for those items whichfall below the set largest dimensional difference, that the items to bejoined be selected so that the dimensional differences between any twoitems be minimized. Minimizing the dimensional differences allows forthe most favorable conditions to join items and minimizes stressconcentrators at the joining points thereby increasing the factor ofsafety at the joints and reducing the risk of failure at a future point.

During the process selecting pipes to be joined from a universe ofpipes, it is desirable to measure the pipe to ensure compliance withpredetermined tolerances for quality control. Of particular concern arethe dimensions of the pipe at its end that will form a juncture with asecond piece of pipe. These measurements have traditionally beenperformed with simple “go/no-go” gauges, or at times with calipers.

Go/no-go gauges are mechanical articles of a fixed size which, wheninserted, or attempted to be inserted, into a pipe will fit properly ornot, indicating whether the tested pipe is acceptable. These gaugescheck the minimum or maximum dimensions at certain critical points inthe ends. Calipers provide actual dimensions, but it is time consumingand subject to human error to measure the pipe with calipers or anyother standard measuring device.

For a universe of pipes it would be desirable to have a system fortaking various measurements of each pipe and automatically determiningwhich pipes best fit each other and determine any pipe sections thatneed to be machined in order to bring the pipe into conformity withspecified tolerances.

As with any manual system, human error is pervasive. An automatedmeasuring system is needed. Some automated contact systems areavailable. Such systems typically use some form of linear variabledifferential transformer or linear potentiometer, both of which requirea sensor to touch the surface of the unit under test. However, theinterior surface of a pipe may be abrasive, and in a volumemanufacturing process the sensor would wear out in an unacceptably shorttime. Using such contact sensors therefore would increase maintenancecosts and process down time, while decreasing the reliability, and overtime, the precision of the measurement system. Moreover, the range ofmost contact sensors is rather limited and is insufficient to measurelarge diameter pipe. As discussed previously, there are several pointsof interest on the pipe or tubular end. To measure multiple points witha contact system, the sensor would need to be removed from the surface,repositioned to the new location, and then placed in contact with thesurface again.

Thus, there exists a need for a method and apparatus for selecting thebest fit of two items between a universe of items along with a methodfor determining whether an item falls within specified tolerances; thatwill perform the selection process in a fast manner and minimize humanerror in making such determinations.

The following U.S. Patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S.Pat. No. 6,289,600.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described beloware pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill inthe relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of theinvention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated asbeing “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted inthe art in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided in oneembodiment is a method and apparatus for confirming that one or moreitems in a universe of items fall within specified tolerances.

In another embodiment various methods for determining best fit betweenitems in a universe of items is provided.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side of a preferred embodiment of a measuring device.

FIG. 2 is a front view of measuring device of FIG. 1 taken from thelines 2—2.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the measuring device of FIGS. 1 and 2taken long the lines A—A.

FIG. 4 is an exploded diagram of the measuring device of FIGS. 1 through3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the body of the measuring device ofFIGS. 1 through 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base of the clamp of the measuringdevice of FIGS. 1 through 3.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a measuring device in a position to take ameasurement on a pipe.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing various measurements taken on a pipe.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of various pipes to be measured and anindividual taking measurements on one pipe end.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a measurement device installed in theend of a pipe to be measured.

FIG. 10A is a closeup of an individual taking a measurement of a pipe.

FIG. 10B is a side view of a pipe to be measured with a measurementapparatus installed in the pipe.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of various measurements being taken on apipe with a measuring apparatus.

FIG. 11B is a side view of the measuring apparatus in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a marking template.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the marking template of FIG. 12 installedon the end of a pipe to be measured.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of various pipes to be measured havingindicia identifying the ends of each pipe.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pipe to be measured having a bar codeas identifying indicia and showing a scanner scanning the bar codeindicia.

FIG. 16 shows various types of bar code indicia which can be used toincorporate identifying indicia.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of ameasuring apparatus having multiple measuring devices.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the measuring apparatus of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is another side view of the measuring apparatus of FIG. 17 butrotated ninety degrees.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the measuring apparatus of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20A is a sectional view taken along the lines A—A of FIG. 20.

FIG. 21 is a rear view of the measuring apparatus of FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 is an exploded diagram of the measuring apparatus of FIG. 17.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart schematically illustrating one embodiment ofmeasuring and performing a best fit analysis on a universe of pipes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structureor manner.

FIG. 1 is a side of a preferred embodiment of measuring apparatus 10.FIG. 2 is a front view of measuring apparatus 10 shown from lines 2—2.FIG. 3 is a sectional view of measuring apparatus 10 taken along thelines A—A. FIG. 4 is an exploded diagram of measuring apparatus 10.Measuring apparatus 10 can comprise body 20, exterior measurement device30, interior measurement device 40, and clamp 60. Alternatively, eitherexterior or interior measurement devices can be used by themselves. Alsoalternatively, clamp 60 can be omitted or another mechanism can be usedto secure measuring apparatus while measurements are being taken.

Exterior and interior measurement devices 30,40 can be electronicmeasurement devices such as laser, sonar, or magnetic resonancemeasuring devices (lasers are shown in a preferred embodiment).Alternatively mechanical measuring devices can also be used.

Clamp 60 can comprise cup 80, extension 150, a plurality of arms 90, aplurality of arms 92, and a plurality of arms 95, along with plates ormembers 100, 102, and 105. Extension 150 can be slidingly connected tocup 80. Plates 100,102,105 can be pivotally connected respectively toplurality of arms 90,92,95 which plurality of arms can be pivotallyconnected to cup 80. Plates 100,102,105 can be slidably connected tobase 140. With such a construction as cup 80 is moved in the directionof arrow 180 plates 100,102,105 will move radially outward in thedirection of arrows 190. As plates 100,102,105 move radially outwardthey can fix measuring apparatus 10 such as to the longitudinal bore 6of a pipe 5. Moving handle 70 in the direction of arrow 170 causes cup80 to move in the direction of arrow 180 and plates 100,102,105 toexpand moving radially outward in the direction of arrows 190. Thisaction can cause clamp 60 to lodge (friction couple) to the insidesurface of bore 6 for a pipe 5. Moving handle 70 in the oppositedirection of arrow 170 causes plates 100,102,105 to contract movingradially inward in the opposite direction of arrows 190. In this mannerclamp 60 can be locked and unlocked. Fixing measuring apparatus willallow various measurements to be obtained by measuring devices 30,40from a fixed position relative to pipe 5 to be measured. Spring 120causes cup 80 to tend to slide away from extension 150 (i.e., in theopposite direction of arrow 180).

Tabs 160,165,166 attached to base 140 can be used to position measuringapparatus 10 inside longitudinal bore 6 of pipe 5 before clamp 60 isplaced in a locked position.

Body 20 can be rotatably connected to clamp 60 allowing variousmeasurements to be taken on a pipe 5 after clamp 60 has been locked tointerior bore 6 of pipe 5. FIGS. 5 and 6 show one method of rotatablyconnecting body 20 to clamp 60. Body 20 can comprise circular base 25and shaft 26. Shaft 26 rotatably connects extension 150 of clamp 60'sbase 140 through bore 152. A plurality of rollers 143 (shown in FIG. 1)can be used to rotatably affix base 25 to base 140. Relative angularpositions between body 20 and clamp 60 can be determined by a pluralityof openings 142 on base 140. Biased arm 27 (such as a spring-loaded ballbearing) on body 20 can be configured to enter openings 142 (by clickinginto place) as body 20 is rotated relative to clamp 60. In this manner aratcheting effect can be achieved between body 20 and clamp 60. Therelative angular position of each opening 142 controls the relativeangular position of body 20 to clamp 60 when a ratcheting effect is feltby a person rotating body 20. In a preferred embodiment sixteen openings142 are radially spaced about base 140. In this manner a ratchet effectwill be felt every 22.5 degrees of relative rotation between body 20 andclamp 140. In alternative embodiments various numbers of openings 142can be used either uniformly spaced or non-uniformly spaced.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of measuring apparatus 10 taking ameasurement on pipe 5. For purposes of clarity only body 20 is shown.Measuring device 30 can be a laser, shooting laser beam 35 which bouncesoff exterior surface 7 of pipe 5. Measuring device 40 can be a lasershooting laser beam 45 which bounces off interior surface 8 of pipe 5.FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the measuring apparatus 10 from the lines8—8 of FIG. 7 and schematically two measurements taken on pipe 5. Shownin FIG. 8 are a plurality of measurement points 301 through 316 whichwould correspond to the positions of body 20 when it ratchets into oneof the plurality of openings 142. Pivot point 300 schematicallyillustrates the point of rotation of body 20 relative to clamp 60(although clamp 60 is not shown for purposes of clarity). Body 20schematically illustrates measuring apparatus 10 in a first position.Body 20′ schematically illustrates measuring apparatus 10′ in a secondposition (after measuring apparatus 10 has been rotated relative to thefirst position). In the first position (measurement position 309) laserbeam 45 provides the distance between laser 40 and the interior surface8—which is labeled as D1. D2 is a known distance from the axis ofrotation between clamp 60 and body 20. The total distance between theaxis of rotation 300 and interior surface 8 (at measurement location309) is D1 plus D2. In the first position (measurement position 309)laser beam 35 provides the distance between laser 30 and the exteriorsurface 7—which is labeled as D3. D4 is a known distance from the axisof rotation 300 between clamp 60 and body 20. The total distance betweenthe axis of rotation 300 and exterior surface 7 (at measurement location309) is D4 minus D3. In this manner the distances from the axis ofrotation 300 to the interior 8 and exterior 7 surfaces can be determinedfor positions 301 through 316. Body 20′ schematically illustratesmeasuring apparatus 10′ at measurement position 311. Taking measurementsat locations 301 through 316 provides sixteen measurements to internalsurface 8 and sixteen measurements to external surface 7. This data canbe stored in a database for later comparison.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a person using measurement apparatus 10on side A of pipe 504. Pipes 501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 are shown beingheld by supports 570, 580, and 590. FIG. 9B is a side view showingmeasurement apparatus 10 taking a reading at end A of pipe 504. Thelocked and unlocked position of handle 70 is schematically shown. FIGS.10A and 10B are a closeup of the pipes and measurement apparatus 10shown in FIG. 9A. Handle 70 is shown locking clamp 60 to the interiorbore of pipe 504.

Operator 540 is shown positioning body 20 by handle 50 to take ameasurement with lasers 30,40. Operator 540 can cause lasers 30,40 totake measurements through operation of a control unit 550. Back pack 560can house a power pack and electronic components which allow controlunit 550 to operate and receive information from lasers 30,40. Some orall of these components can be mounted on/incorporated into measurementapparatus 10. Lasers 30,40 can be commercially available items or withinthe knowledge of those skilled in the art. The power pack and electroniccomponents and control unit can be those which are commerciallyavailable and within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

In an alternative embodiment a commercially available scanner 600 can beincluded to allow operator 540 to electronically scan indicia whichidentify end A of pipe 504. This scanner can even be combined withcontrol unit 550. Alternatively, such identifying information can bemanually input by operator 540 into control unit 550 or readings can beotherwise recorded such as being handwritten on paper.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate two readings being taken by measurementapparatus 10 on end A of pipe 504. Measurement apparatus 10 has beensecured on end A of pipe 504 by clamp 60. The first reading is shown bybody 20 and can correspond to measurement point 301 in FIG. 8. After themeasurement data has been taken at point 301 various additionalmeasurements for end A of pipe 504 can be taken, such as themeasurements at the position indicated by body 20″. Operator 540 canmove body 20 to various positions by handle 50. In this mannermeasurements can be taken at end A of pipe 504 at each point of interest(i.e., for which data is desired). At each position operator 540 can usecontrol unit 550 to operate and receive information from lasers 30,40.After data is acquired from each one of the desired measurementpositions, operator can move onto the next pipe end for which to takemeasurements. This next set of measurements can be taken at end B ofpipe 504 (assuming end B was not already completed). Alternatively,operator 540 can take measurements on another pipe, such as end A ofpipe 505, but the measurement data should be indexed to the specificpipe on which measurements are being taken. Alternatively, measurementscan be indexed to the specific end of the specific pipe. Where themeasurement data can be properly indexed, completing measurements forall ends A of pipes 501 through 505 before taking measurements for allends B of pipes 501 through 505 may be more efficient because operator540 will not have to move from end to opposite end for each measurement.Looking at FIG. 9A indicates that walking from end to end during eachset of measurements can be a long process.

FIG. 12 shows a marking template 600 for marking the ends of pipes atvarious positions for which measurements can be or have been taken.These marks can later be used when assembling the pipes to other pipeswhich have been determined to be a good fit through application of abest fit algorithm. Template 600 can comprise plate 625, handle 620, andpins 630,640. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 template 600 can be supportedon pipe 504 by pins 630,640. Various alternative systems exist forsupporting template 60 such as hand held, adhesive, magnets, etc.Marking template 600 can be combined or integral with measurementapparatus 10.

Template 600 can include sixteen marking locations as shown by openings601 through 616. Alternatively, template 600 can include more or lessthan sixteen openings depending on the number of data points to be takenby measurement apparatus 10. Openings 601 through 616 are shown as slotsfor which marks can be spray painted onto the end of a pipe. However,many different methods of marking exist such as die stamps, etching,stickers, electronic, and other methods or combinations of these methodsto identify the various positions of interest. Openings 601 through 616correspond to measurement points 301 through 316 (taken by measurementapparatus 10) and schematically shown in FIG. 8.

Opening 601 includes two slots to identify this as the startingreference, however, numerous other ways exist to identify a startingreference point. For example, opening 601 if a single slot can bepainted a different color or opening 601 can be a different shape thanthe other slots. Positions 602 through 616 can be determined bymaintaining a convention that positions are counted in a clockwisedirection from starting reference 601. Alternatively, a counterclockwiseconvention can be used.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of pipes 501 through 505 to be measured.In this embodiment identifying indicia have been placed on the pipes.For example on pipe 504 indicia 510 has been placed on end A and indicia511 has been placed on end B. Similarly on pipe 505 ends A and B indicia512 and 513 have been placed. The various indicia can be used tospecifically identify the particular end of the particular pipe to bemeasured. Alternatively, indicia on only a single end of each pipe canbe used. The indicia can be any identifying mechanism such as a manualstenciled number. Preferably an indicia format will be used which can beelectronically identified to eliminate human error in identifying theparticular end of a particular pipe. One electronic format is a bar codeidentifying system as shown in FIG. 15. Various bar code formats areshown in FIG. 16. Any format can be used which will allow identificationof each end of each pipe. For example the pipes can be numbered from 1through the total number of pipes being measured for fitting. The barcodes can be generated before any measurements are taken and each pipelabeled with a bar code indicia. Operator 540 when taking themeasurement with measuring apparatus 10 could scan the bar code whichcould allow automatic indexing of any measurement data taken bymeasurement apparatus 10. The indicia are shown on the outside of thepipes in FIGS. 14 and 15 but could also be locate on the ends, insidebore of the pipes, or any other location as long as access to theinformation can be obtained. The indicia can be applied to the pipesbefore measurements are taken or can be applied during the measurementprocess. For example, operator 540 can be supplied with a bar codegenerator and printer which can be used to generate printed bar codesand applied before or after measurements are taken for a particular pipeend. Other electronic identification formats can include radio frequencyidentifiers and optical scanners. Stencils and imprints can be used asidentifiers.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pipe 504 to be measured showing ascanner 555 scanning an indicia 511 on pipe 504. FIG. 16 shows varioustypes of bar code indicia which can be used.

For a universe 500 of pipes 501, 502, 503, etc. measurements can betaken on each end of each pipe in the universe 500. In one embodiment,on each side of each pipe, thirty two data pieces can be stored (sixteenrelated to the interior surface and sixteen related to the exteriorsurface). Because each pipe has two sides for a total of sixty four datapieces. The data for all pipes can be stored in a database forcomparison. Preferably, in the database the data pieces can be indexedby pipe identifier (e.g., pipes 501, 502, 503, etc.), pipe endidentifier (e.g., end A or end B), and exterior and interior surfacesfor each measurement location 301, 302, through 316. In otherembodiments more or less data pieces than 32 can be taken for each pipeend.

Various analyses can be performed to determine proper selection of pipes501,502,503, etc. These analyses include, but are not limited to atolerance check and a best fit analysis.

A tolerance check can be performed on each pipe. The measurements foreach pipe in the universe 500 can be checked to ensure that suchmeasurements do not fall outside of a user's defined criteria. Forexample, one criteria may be that no measurement for the interior can bemore than a set tolerance from a stated measurement (e.g, no more than0.5 millimeters from 15 centimeters). A similar type of criteria may beset for the measurements to the exterior (e.g, no more than 0.5millimeters from 17.5 centimeters). Additionally, a similar criteria canbe set for the difference between the interior and exterior measurements(e.g., no more than 0.5 millimeters from 2.5 centimeters). If themeasurements for one or more pipes fall outside of the defined criteria,these pipes can be rejected or refurbished such as by machining.

For each pipe remaining after the tolerance check, a best fit analysiscan be performed. For a universe 500 of pipes 501, 502, 503, etc. a bestfit can be determined by comparing the data pieces for one pipe 501 end(e.g, end A) to the measurements of those pipe ends (ends A and B) forthe remaining pipes 502, 503, etc. to determine which pipe end mostclosely fits that of pipe 501. For example, end A of pipe 501 might bedetermined to most closely fit end B of pipe 507. After determining thisfit, then the other end of pipe 507 (i.e., end A) can be compared forbest fit to both ends of the pipes remaining in universe 500 (i.e.,pipes 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 508, 509, etc.).

This process can be continued until each pipe end has been matched toanother pipe end or possibly rejected as a non-matching based on analgorithm determining whether to pipes ends are a match (such as amaximum on the sum of the difference of the squares). In an alternativeembodiment, instead of using a serial determination of best fit (i.e.,best fit for one pipe end to each possible pipe end), an exhaustivestatistical analysis can be performed for each possible combination ofthe pipe ends in the universe of pipes. Once the database of data is setup the best fit calculation would not take much additional time to theserial calculation if a computer was used to perform the calculation.However, the amount of calculations would be increased by an order ofmagnitude for the same amount of data pieces when compared tocalculating best mode in a serial fashion.

Various options exist for what measurements can be used in determining abest fit. These include: (a) measurement to the inside surface of thepipe; (b) measurement to the exterior surface of the pipe; (c) somecombination of the interior and exterior measurements; (d) wallthickness comparisons; and (e) some combination of any of the above. Itis preferred to use the interior measurement.

Various algorithms exist for determining a best fit between a universeof data sets, such as measurement data sets. One algorithm can be thesum of the squares of the differences between measurements for two pipeends. Other algorithms can be the sum of the differences to the fourthpower or any other even power. Even powers are preferred because oddpowers could allow large negative differences to offset positivedifferences. Alternatively, the sum of the absolute value of thedifferences could be compared where odd powers were used. The ultimateservice or use of the items to be fit may determine a best fit algorithmwhich is used.

After the best fit analysis has been determined each pipe from theuniverse of pipe can be set for connection to another pipe from universe500. A report can be prepared setting forth the sequence and orientationof pipes to be joined(and to which end). The pipes can be listed in thereport by their identification, which may be the bar code indicia. Atthis point the pipes can be joined as specified in the reportedsequence. Various methods of ensuring proper sequences in the field canbe used. One method includes, after the pipes have been laid in a linefor joining, an operator 540 comparing individual pipe identifyingindicia to the sequence listed in the report. Where the indicia can beelectronically read, such as through bar codes, operator 540 can use ascanner to read each indicia on each pipe in the order in which the pipeis laid out. This order will be compared to the order listed in thesequencing report and if not matching a warning signal can be issued. Areport can also be generated showing what is not correct. Operator 540could have the option to manually override the warning signal. In analternative embodiment, a warning signal could be generated after thefirst non-matching pair of indicia is determined. In another alternativeembodiment the identifying indicia can be read when each pipe is pulledfrom the rack and a warning signal issued if a non-matching indicia isfound. However, this embodiment suffers from the risk that the pipe willbe flipped around (longitudinally) when placed in a line for joining. Inanother alternative embodiment the pipe indicia can be read when takenoff the rack and then read again after being placed in a line forjoining.

Depending on the size and storage of a universe 500 of pipe to be bestfit, a best fit analysis may be done to various subsets (or batches) ofthe universe 500. For example the number of pipes to be joined may be sonumerous that they are stored on different racks and when pulled fromstorage it will be difficult and inefficient to pull pipes from one rackto another for obtaining a best fit. In this situation subset best fitanalyses can be performed on each individual batch. For example, a bestfit analysis can be performed for each pipe on a particular rack. Then ajoining sequence for these pipes can be identified from this subset bestfit analysis. Another best fit analysis can be performed for all thepipes on a second rack and a joining sequence developed for these pipesfor the second rack. The subsets do not have to be limited to racks butcan be defined by the operator based on the operator's own requirements.For example, where the pipes are to be shipped via cargo ships, pipesstored in one section of the cargo ship can be separately best fit andsequenced from pipes stored in another section. Another example includeswhere groups of pipe are shipped separately. Each separate shipment canbe separately best fit and sequenced. Similarly with railtransportation, separate cars of pipes can be separately best fit andsequenced.

In an alternative embodiment, a replacement best fit algorithm can beused to address the situation where a pipe 504 which has already beenbest fit and sequenced is damaged or somehow prevented from being used.At this point there is a gap in the sequence of pipes which must befilled. One way to fill this gap (replace pipe 504) is to have auniverse 800 of replacement pipes which can be used to replace sequencedpipes which can no longer be used. At this point there are two pipe endswhich must be best fit—those ends which were to be joined to either sideof pipe 504. The measurement data for these two pipes and the pipes inuniverse 800 could have already been taken. If so, then a best fitanalysis can be performed using the data already obtained. Similar bestfit algorithms to those discussed above can be used. The differencewould be to seek the best for both ends and this cannot be donesequentially as described above. Instead, the calculations (e.g., suchof the squares of the differences) can be summed for both connectionsand the pipe in universe 800 having the best analysis can be selected.In an alternative embodiment, measuring apparatus 10 can be used tomeasuring the pipe ends in the gap created by damaged pipe 504 alongwith the pipes in universe 800 to obtain the data and a best fitanalysis done to pick the pipe from universe 800 which best fits thisgap. Alternatively, or a check can be performed to determine if thejoint ends for the two pipe end sequenced before and after the removedpipe match. Of course, an overall best fit analysis for the entirestring can be done which analysis incorporates the remaining pipes inthe string in which damaged pipe 504 had been sequenced and the universe800. One disadvantage in doing this overall best fit analysis is thatthe already sequenced pipes may be reordered differently necessitatingthe time and effort to reposition many or all of the pipes.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 through 22, measuringapparatus 900 can include a first set of measuring devices 961 through976 at positions 701 through 716. A second set of measuring devices 921through 936 can also be included at positions 701 through 716. The firstset of measuring devices 961 through 976 can measure distance from eachmeasuring device to the inside diameter of a pipe to be measured. Thesecond set of measuring devices 921 through 936 can measure the distancefrom each measuring device to the external diameter of the pipe to bemeasured. The first and second sets of measuring devices 961–976 and921–936 can be lasers. Using a set of measuring devices allows measuringapparatus 900 to be static during in taking a set of measurements on thepipe to be measured. No longer will measuring apparatus 900 have to berotated from one measurement position to another. However, measuringapparatus 900 can perform all the measurements and subsequent analysesas described in this application. A current disadvantage of thisalternative embodiment is the cost of multiple measuring devices 961–976and 921–936. An advantage of this embodiment is minimizing the number ofmoving parts and the ability to take faster measurements. Anotheradvantage of this embodiment is the removal of human error inidentifying individual measurements for a particular pipe end. FIG. 17is a perspective view of measuring apparatus 900. FIG. 18 is a side viewof measuring apparatus 900. FIG. 19 is another side view measuringapparatus 900 but rotated ninety degrees. FIG. 20 is a front view ofmeasuring apparatus 900. FIG. 20A is a sectional view taken along thelines A—A of FIG. 20. FIG. 21 is a rear view of measuring apparatus 900.FIG. 22 is an exploded diagram of measuring apparatus 900.

Clamp 1010 can be constructed similar to clamp 60. It can comprise cup1030, rod 1140, a plurality of arms 1040, a plurality of arms 1050, anda plurality of arms 1060, along with plates or members 1070, 1080, and1090. Rod 1140 can be operatively connected to cup 1030. Plates1070,1080,1090 can be pivotally connected respectively to plurality ofarms 1040,1050,1060 which plurality of arms can be pivotally connectedto cup 1030. Plates 1070,1080,1090 can be slidably connected to base1120. With such a construction as cup 1030 is moved plates1070,1080,1090 will move radially inward and outward. Moving handle 1020causes cup 1030 to move. This action can cause clamp 110 to lodge(friction couple) to the inside surface of bore 6 for a pipe 5. Fixingmeasuring apparatus will allow various measurements to be obtained bymeasuring devices 961–976 and 921–936 from a fixed position relative topipe 5 to be measured. Spring 1140 causes cup 1030 to tend to be pushedaway from ase 1120.

In one embodiment the measurement apparatus 10 can be calibrated byusing a calibrating standard 700 of known measurements. Automaticcalibration can be achieved by having controller 550 compare one or moremeasurements taken by measurement apparatus 10 (by measurement devices30,40) to known measurements and automatically adjusting any futuremeasurements by discrepancies. In one embodiment a statistical analysiscan be done on the measurements taken if non-uniform discrepancies arefound when measuring standard 700. In one embodiment a warning signal isissued where non-uniform discrepancies are found when measuring standard700.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart schematically illustrating one embodiment ofperforming a best fit analysis 1200 on a universe of pipes 500. For eachjoint of pipe in the universe of pipes 500 various measurements for theinterior and/or exterior radii of the pipes had been recorded. Forexample, sixteen measurements at each end for both the internal andexternal radii for each pipe in the universe 500 can have been recorded.Best fit analysis 1200 attempts to select the sequencing of the pipes inthe universe of pipes 500 which best fit each other. Below is describeda preferred way of performing a best fit analysis 1200. Some of theabbreviations included in FIG. 23 are listed below:

-   -   SJE=Subject Joint End.    -   TJE=Test Joint End.    -   PJE=Preferred Joint End (current Joint End with the lowest “Sum        of EXPR(N)” value.    -   LS(IR)=Lowest Sum of EXPR(N) using the Inside Radii values.    -   S(OR)=Sum of EXPR(N) using the Outside Radii values at the        orientation corresponding to LS(IR).    -   TJE:LS(IR)=Test Joint End Lowest Sum of EXPR(N) using the Inside        Radii.    -   PJE:LS(IR)=Preferred Joint End Lowest Sum of EXPR(N) using the        Inside Radii.    -   TJE:S(OR)=Test Joint End Sum of EXPR(N) using the Outside Radii        values at the orientation corresponding to LS(IR).    -   PJE:S(OR)=Preferred Joint End Sum of EXPR(N) using the Outside        Radii values at the orientation corresponding to LS(IR).

In step 1210 data obtained from measurement apparatus 10 is pulled froma database where such data had been stored. An end A and a pipe 504 fromthe universe of pipes 500 are selected as the initial subject joint end.This selected end is to be compared for best fit to every other end inthe universe of pipes 500. The pipe ends of which the selected pipe arebeing compared are called the test joint ends—because these ends arebeing tested for proper fit to the subject joint end. Because acomparison will be made between each pipe end in universe of pipes 500the first selected pipe end to be tested against the subject joint endcan be set as the initially preferred joint end for joining to thesubject joint end. After a comparison with other joint ends in the pipesfrom universe of pipes 500, this initially preferred joint end may bereplaced by another joint end which would become the new preferred jointend. For example, an end A and pipe 505 from the universe of pipes 500can selected as the initial test joint end. End A of pipe 504 caninclude sixteen measurements for the inside radius and sixteenmeasurements for the external radius—each of these pairs of internal andexternal measurements corresponding to one of sixteen measurementpositions. The same is true for end A of pipe 505. For best fit themeasurements at the sixteen positions of pipe 504 can be compared to themeasurements at the sixteen positions of pipe 505. That is, pipe 504 canbe connected to pipe 505 through one of sixteen different rotationalpositions. If more than sixteen measurements were taken then morerotational positions could be considered. Similarly if less thansixteen, then less rotational positions can be considered. Additionally,a specified local maximum deviation tolerance can be set so that themaximum difference between any measurement position for end A of pipe504 and end A of pipe 505 is not exceeded in a specific rotationalconnection.

Step 1220 shows a table where the difference in measurements for each ofthe sixteen measurements between end A of pipe 504 and end A of pipe 505have been calculated. These differences can be between the internalradii and/or between the external radii. Because there are sixteen pairsof measurements, for any single angular connection or positioningbetween end A of pipe 504 and end A of pipe 505, there will be sixteendifferences between the radius measure for pipe 504 and the radiusmeasurement for pipe 505. In step 1220 the differences betweenmeasurements of end A of pipe 504 and end A of pipe 505 are set forth inthe table as EXPR. Each row in the table signifies various differencesfor a specific angular connection between the two pipe ends. The firstrow looks at position 1 of end A of pipe 504 being connected to position1 of end A of pipe 505. Because the pipe ends are facing each other whenconnected, one set of pipe positions will increase in a clockwisedirection while the other set of pipe measurements will increase in acounterclockwise direction. Accordingly, in the first row of the tableposition 2 of end A of pipe 504 will be connected to position 16 of endA of pipe 505 (and not position 2 of end A of pipe 505). Likewise,position 3 of end A of pipe 504 will connect to position 15 of end A ofpipe 505. The remainder of matching connections are set forth in thefirst row of the table. The sum of the squares of these differences areshown in the column labeled Sum of EXPR(N) and provides an indicator onwhether the pipes are a good fit for the particular angular connection.

The second row of the table in step 1220 provides calculated differenceswhere position 1 of end A of pipe 504 is connected to position 2 of endA of pipe 505. The individual entries the second row includes thesixteen differences between position 1 for pipe 504 and position 1 forpipe 505. Similarly, the third row reviews position 1 of end A of pipe504 being connected to position 3 of end A of pipe 505. Similarly,calculations are set forth in rows four through 16 for the remainder ofposition 1 of end A of pipe 504 being connected to positions 4 through16 of end A of pipe 505. At the column labeled Sum of EXPR(N) the sum ofthe squares are each calculated and presented.

The smallest value of the column labeled Sum of EXPR(N) is an indicatorof the best fit between end A of pipe 504 with end A of pipe 505 and canbe labeled as the Lowest Sum of EXPR(N) or LS(IR). The row having thelowest Sum of EXPR(N) provides the particular angular connection betweenend A of pipe 504 to end A of pipe 505 which provides this best fit.Additionally, using the external radii, the Lowest Sum of EXPR(N) orLS(OR) can be calculated. The individual steps for selecting a sequenceof pipes to be joined from a universe of pipes 500 will be reviewedbelow.

Step 1230 shows the choice of LS(IR) or LS(OR). For example, position 1of end A of pipe 504 may have the best calculation when connected toposition 7 of end A of pipe 505. Step 1240 indicates a local dimensionalcheck being performed for the selected LS(IR). This dimensional checkensures that no local difference between the internal radii of end A ofpipe 504 and end A of pipe 505 exceeds the specified tolerance limit forany of the sixteen measured radii.

If the localized dimensional tolerance check is satisfied then theanalysis proceeds onto step 1250 where a comparison is made between thecalculation for the preferred joint end and the specific tested jointend. If the calculation for the tested joint end is greater than thecalculation for the preferred joint end then the analysis goes to step1246 where the specific tested joint end is rejected for joining andreturned to universe of pipes 500 for possible connection to anotherjoint. If the calculation for the tested joint end is less than thecalculation for the preferred joint end, then the analysis proceeds tostep 1260 where the particular tested joint end is now selected as thenew preferred joint end. The previously preferred joint end is thenreturned to universe of pipes 500 for possible connection to anotherjoint end and the analysis proceeds to step 1280 to determine whetherthere are more joints to be fit.

If the calculation for the tested joint end is equal to the calculationfor the preferred joint end then the analysis proceeds to step 1255where a comparison is made between the best fit calculations for theoutside radii between connections with either the preferred joint end orthe tested joint end—the joint end with the smaller number being picked.If the calculation for the tested joint end is greater than thepreferred joint end maintains its preferred status and the analysisproceeds to step 1246. If the calculation for the tested joint end issmaller or equal then the analysis proceeds to step 1256, the testedjoint end is set as the new preferred joint end and the old preferredjoint end is returned to universe of pipes 500 for possible matching asindicated in step 1270.

The above analysis is done for each possible combination of end A ofpipe 504 to each end of each remaining pipe in universe of pipes 500.Step 1280 indicates that for the specific subject joint (e.g., end A ofpipe 504) every other pipe end has been considered. At this point theanalysis proceeds to step 1290 where a sequence number is assigned tothe subject joint (e.g., end A of pipe 504) and the end of other pipefrom the universe of pipes 500 which provided the best fit using thebest fit algorithm, such as sum of the squares method, (e.g., end B ofpipe 509). At this point the opposite end of the selected pipe is nowset as the new subject joint and the entire analysis is repeated forthis new subject joint. However, the original subject joint (e.g., pipe504) is removed from further consideration because it has already beensequenced.

If one of the differences exceeds the specified tolerance (for example,position 1 of pipe 504 connected to position 7 of pipe 505) then end Aof pipe 504 is rejected from connection to end A of pipe 505; and end Aof pipe 505 is placed back in into the universe of pipes 500 forpossible connection to another end. Step 1245 indicates that one end ofa pipe is rejected for the particular connection being considered andplaced back into the universe of pipes 500 for possible connection toanother end. In this case step 1246 indicates that the particular end ofthe test joint (i.e., end A of pipe 505) is retained for comparison toanother end from the universe of pipes 500. In this case step 1280indicates that a determination is made regarding whether this was thefinal joint end to be compared. If not then step 1215 indicates that anext joint end from the universe of pipes 500 is selected as the testjoint end and the analysis proceeds to step 1220.

In this manner the entire joint population in universe of pipes 500 canbe sequenced for best fit. Step 1300 indicates that the entirepopulation was sequenced and step 1310 indicates that the results are tobe reported, such as in the form of a sequencing report.

LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS (Part No.) (Description) 1 indicia 2 indicia3 end 4 end 5 pipe 6 longitudinal bore 7 exterior surface 8 interiorsurface 10 measurement apparatus 20 body 25 base 26 shaft 27 biased arm30 exterior measurement device 35 laser beam 40 interior measurementdevice 45 laser beam 50 handle 60 clamp 70 handle for clamp 80 cup 90arm 92 arm 95 arm 100 plate 105 plate 120 spring 150 arms 130 fastener140 base 142 openings 143 roller 150 extension 152 bore 160 tab 165 tab166 tab 170 arrow 180 arrow 190 arrows 200 catch 300 pivot point 301measurement point 302 measurement point 303 measurement point 304measurement point 305 measurement point 306 measurement point 307measurement point 308 measurement point 309 measurement point 310measurement point 311 measurement point 312 measurement point 313measurement point 314 measurement point 315 measurement point 316measurement point 501 pipe 502 pipe 503 pipe 504 pipe 505 pipe 511indicia 512 indicia 513 indicia 514 indicia 540 operator 550 controlunit 555 scanner 560 backpack 570 support 580 support 590 support 600template 601 opening 602 opening 603 opening 604 opening 605 opening 606opening 607 opening 608 opening 609 opening 610 opening 611 opening 612opening 613 opening 614 opening 615 opening 616 opening 620 handle 625plate 630 pin 640 pin 700 standard 701 position 702 position 703position 704 position 705 position 706 position 708 position 709position 710 position 711 position 712 position 713 position 714position 715 position 716 position 800 universe of pipe 900 measurementapparatus 905 body 910 base 915 shaft 921 exterior measurement device922 exterior measurement device 923 exterior measurement device 924exterior measurement device 925 exterior measurement device 926 exteriormeasurement device 927 exterior measurement device 928 exteriormeasurement device 929 exterior measurement device 930 exteriormeasurement device 931 exterior measurement device 932 exteriormeasurement device 933 exterior measurement device 934 exteriormeasurement device 935 exterior measurement device 936 exteriormeasurement device 941 laser beam 942 laser beam 943 laser beam 944laser beam 945 laser beam 946 laser beam 947 laser beam 948 laser beam949 laser beam 950 laser beam 951 laser beam 952 laser beam 953 laserbeam 954 laser beam 955 laser beam 956 laser beam 961 interiormeasurement device 962 interior measurement device 963 interiormeasurement device 964 interior measurement device 965 interiormeasurement device 966 interior measurement device 967 interiormeasurement device 968 interior measurement device 969 interiormeasurement device 970 interior measurement device 971 interiormeasurement device 972 interior measurement device 973 interiormeasurement device 974 interior measurement device 975 interiormeasurement device 976 interior measurement device 981 laser beam 982laser beam 983 laser beam 984 laser beam 985 laser beam 986 laser beam987 laser beam 988 laser beam 989 laser beam 990 laser beam 991 laserbeam 992 laser beam 993 laser beam 994 laser beam 995 laser beam 996laser beam 1000 handle 1005 handle 1010 clamp 1020 handle for clamp 1030cup 1040 arm 1050 arm 1060 arm 1070 plate 1080 plate 1085 plate 1090spring 1100 arms 1110 fastener 1120 base 1130 openings 1140 rod 1150extension 1200 best fit analysis 1210 step 1215 step 1220 step 1230 step1240 step 1245 step 1246 step 1250 step 1255 step 1256 step 1260 step1270 step 1280 step 1290 step 1300 step 1310 step D1 distance measuredby laser beam 45 D2 distance from pivot point of measuring apparatus 10to laser 40 D3 distance measured by laser beam 35 D4 distance from pivotpoint of measuring apparatus 10 to laser 30

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together may also find a useful application in other types ofmethods differing from the type described above. Without furtheranalysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the presentinvention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adaptit for various applications without omitting features that, from thestandpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics ofthe generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in theappended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way ofexample only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited onlyby the following claims.

1. A method of determining a sequence to join a set of items comprising:(a) each item in the set being marked with identifying indicia; (b)using a measuring apparatus to take a plurality of measurements at aplurality of points on a surface on each item, the measuring apparatustaking a measurement without contacting the points being measured; (c)storing the plurality of measurements in a database; (d) performing abest fit analysis using the plurality of measurements stored in thedatabase; and (e) creating a sequencing report listing the sequence tojoin the items in the set.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the itemsare pipes having internal and external diameters.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the measuring apparatus “b” includes: a body; a clamp theclamp being rotatably attached the body and the clamp being removablyattachable to at least one of the items to be measured; (iii) the bodybeing movable in a plurality of positions in relation to the clamp; (iv)the body having a first measuring device: the first measuring devicebeing moveable to measure a plurality of distances between the body andthe item to be measured when the body is moved into the plurality ofpositions; and (v) the first measuring device sending its measurementsto a storage device.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein in step “b”sixteen measurements are taken at locations equally spaced in a radialdirection for both internal and external diameters.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein in step “d” the best fit analysis includes a sum of thesquares algorithm based on the differences in measurements betweenindividual pipes.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein in step “b” themeasurements for a first end of a first pipe are selected and comparedto the measurements for first and second ends of every other pipe in theset and a first end of a first matching pipe is selected for joining tothe first selected pipe, and then the measurements for the second end ofthe first matching pipe are compared to the measurements for the firstand second ends of every remaining pipe in the set and a first end of asecond match pipe is selected.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein in step“d” the unmatched of each matching pipe in the set is serially matchedagainst the remaining pipes in the set.
 8. The method of claim 2,wherein in step “d” each possible combination of joining pipes in theset are reviewed before determining a sequencing order for the pipes. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein in step “d” the best fit analysis isperformed on a plurality of groups of measurements, each group ofmeasurements corresponding to a group of items from the set of items.10. The method of claim 9, wherein in step “e” the sequencing reportlists sequences according to each group in the plurality of groups ofmeasurements.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step ofremoving one of the items listing in the sequencing report andperforming a best fit analysis on the measurements corresponding to theitems sequenced before and after the removed item and a set ofmeasurements taken from a replacement set of items.
 12. The method ofclaim 1, wherein before the best fit analysis in step “d” is performed,the measurements stored in the database in step “c” are compared tospecified tolerances and measurements not falling within the specifiedtolerances are removed from the best fit analysis performed in step “d.”13. The method of claim 12, wherein a report is generated of itemshaving measurements removed from the best fit analysis in step “d.” 14.The method of claim 1, wherein in step “a” bar code indicia are placedon each item and used as an identifying mark.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein in step “b” a scanner is used to scan the bar code indiciato identify the item being measured.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereinthe set of items is a set of pipes and bar code indicia are placed onboth ends of each pipe in the set.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein instep “a” radio frequency identifiers are placed on each item and used asan identifying mark.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein in step “b” areader is used to read the radio frequency identifier to identify theitem being measured.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the set ofitems is a set of pipes and radio frequency identifiers are placed onboth ends of each pipe in the set.
 20. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising the step of laying out the pipes in the sequence to bejoined, scanning the indentifying indicia on each pipe, comparing theidentifying information from the scan to the listed order on thesequencing list, and issuing a warning signal if the order does notmatch.